Taiwan travel guide
Taiwan Tourism | Taiwan Guide
You're Going to Love Taiwan
A bustling island of activity and vibrant culture, Taiwan has something to offer every traveler. Enjoy breathtaking coastal landscapes during the day and lively markets serving noodle soups and fish delicacies in the evening.
Locals are friendly and welcoming, and open to sharing traditional customs with tourists. There is also a diverse mix of religions, including Buddhism and Catholicism, with mesmerizing temples such as the Chung Tai Chan Monastery.
What to do in Taiwan
1. Eat Until Your Heart's Content
Food is a central theme in Taiwanese culture and the abundance of fresh vegetable and fruits will astound you. Night markets specialize in soup dumplings, fish cakes, deep-fried chicken, oyster omelets, and bubble tea.
2. Soak Up the Sun and Relax on the Beach
Thanks to a vast coastline that stretches around the island, you can enjoy an unbelievable spread of sandy beaches with scuba diving and water sport activities.
3. Climb to the Peak of Jade Mountain
Scale the highest point in Taiwan and take in breathtaking panoramic views across the Yushan National Park.
4. Take Some Quiet Reflection in a Temple
There are more than 15,000 temples to be discovered and each provides a unique experience. Some of the most sacred include Thean Hou, Mengjia Longshan, Baoan, and Qingshan.
5. Learn about Indigenous Cultures
Taiwanese indigenous settlers arrived more than 6,000 years ago and have established a range of traditions revolving around music, dance, and language. Interactive tours to villages are possible as well as dedicated restaurants.
When to visit Taiwan
Due to its subtropical climate and humid summers, the most pleasant time of the year to travel is in winter and autumn between October and February.
How to Get to Taiwan
Entry requirements
Citizens from many countries across the globe can visit without visas and stay for up to 90 days. Visas are required for certain nationalities, such as Turkey and Macedonia, and can be acquired upon landing.
Plane
Flights are available to a range of airports across the island. However, the majority of services are scheduled to Taiwan Taiyuan International Airport, which is about 40min from Taipei.
Boat
It is possible to travel from the mainland China city of Fuzhou via a ferry to Matsu and then another ferry to Keelung City in the north of Taiwan. The combined boat fares cost approximately NT$2,350 ($77) and take a full day of commuting.
Popular airlines serving Taiwan
Where to stay in Taiwan
Budget-conscious tourists can find hostels in major cities, such as Taipei and Taichung, while lavish hotels feature both Western chains and domestic enterprises. If you're feeling fancy, book a room with a private jet tub as these are commonly found in hotels and motels.
Where to stay in popular areas of Taiwan
Most booked hotels in Taiwan
How to Get Around Taiwan
Public Transportation
The cities of Taipei and Kaohsiung have comprehensive, reliable metro systems whereas other metropolises predominantly operate with buses. A one-way metro ticket costs approximately NT$20 ($1).
Trains
A high-speed rail service known as THSR connects destinations from north to south. Reserved seat tickets are available for longer journeys with fares available in both Economy and Business Class.
Bus
Intercity routes are common and usually provide cheaper transport than trains. Local buses can be caught across town, though English signage is uncommon and you must be careful when boarding on busy roads.
Car
You must present an international driving license to rent a car. There is an expansive freeway network throughout the island, with odd-numbered freeways being tolled.
Plane
There are more than 15 domestic airports across Taiwan and traveling by plane is the most practical option for reaching smaller islands, such as Kinmen and Matsu. Mandarin Airlines and UNI Air operate the majority of domestic services.
The Cost of Living in Taiwan
Markets and street stalls offer tasty meals at cheap prices, ranging from between NT$50-150 ($1.60-4.90). A meal at a cheap restaurant will cost around NT$100 ($3.30), but a more expensive restaurant will be around NT$700 ($22) for two people. A 0.2 gallon of milk and a dozen eggs cost approximately NT$150 ($4.90). The economy functions predominantly on cash, though credit cards are accepted in upmarket restaurants and hotels. Take enough money in the local currency, as ATMs aren't so readily available.